Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant

[mstockha]

I am the proud owner of the above, and use it religiously. My question is, how much of an improvement in signal strength, no of satellites detected / locked and persistance of lock do you experience with the external antenna? I mostly use it in the car. Comments welcome before I part with my cash!



Mark
_________________
Why me?

ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500

[Dave]

Mark, It's hard to really say. When you're on the move, signals are going to be fluctuating. In my tests I found probably on average a 2 sat difference, it really does depend on the current signal strength and where it's positioned in car.

[iancjc]

using the LP version with an external antenna on the roof of a people carrier, I went from 3/4 sats with 50% power without the external to 7/8 sats (8 is the max with the LP card) with 95% power (looking at the bars on tomtom's gps software).



Based on my (limited) experience I would recommend it. (it also sticks to the roof very well as I went through a car wash yesterday and forgot it was up there - to my surprise and relief it was still there when it had finished!).

[mstockha]

Thanks, based on what others have said it looks like I may get a satellite or two more (I do take into account that performance varies, the value of your lock may vary, investments may rise / fall / crash etc :-) )



I'll buy one now and let you all know how it goes.



Mark
_________________
Why me?

ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500

[mstockha]

OK, first impressions. Very small external antenna from Pretec, strong magnet, and very long cable.



I have positioned the ant on the windowsill of my office (onto the courtyard) and get an intermittent lock. Considering that the visible sky is postage stamp like, I cannot wait to try it in the car. As has been mentioned before, the connector into the side of the CompactGPS unit it a bit stiff, and will need care to ensure that it does not get bent. Tune in tomorrow for the next exciting installment (plus whether I can get the Arkon vent mount to fit my car)



Mark
_________________
Why me?

ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500

[Dave]

I think the main thing to worry about with the connector is constant abuse on the pull as to unplug it requires quite a bit of effort, and there isn't much of a plug to grab hold of.

[mstockha]

Yes, the plug to the external antenna could be an issue over time, I will just have to be careful.



I have used the kit in anger now, and am VERY impressed with the performance of the GPS with the external antenna attached. I have it atached to the top off the roll hoop on my convertible, and get a good 7 satellites regularly. All that now needs sorting is the cable run. 9/10, a great addition for £30ish.
_________________
Why me?

ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500

[alix776]

i can verify the constant use ive gone thorugh 2 cables in 6 months the plgs just seam to fall to bits but ive never had less than a 5 sat lock
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currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

[Dave]

I prefer the newer MCX connection sockets/plugs, they're alot easier to plug in and unplug causing less ware and tare on the socket.

[alix776]

dave ill see you about them at the summit if thats ok


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currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

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